The Namibian public has hardly been aware of the complaints and disciplinary unit within the Namibian Police Force. It not only deals with internal disciplinary issues among police officers, but also with complaints from the public and people under arrest who feel they were ill-treated. To make Namibian citizens aware that they can raise claims for bad treatment, unwillingness to investigate, assist and protect or treating a person in custody badly, the police published a brochure with addresses of the police complaints and discipline unit’s offices in all 13 regions. With this move NamPol has definitely made a step towards transparency and openeness, apart from realising that all is not well among its units, including the Special Field Force.

The Government Instituions Pension Fund donated the N$ 20 000 needed to print the approximately 70 000 brochures, which will be avaialble at all police stations. The e-mail address for the complaints unit is complaints@nampol.gov.na. The photo shows Commissioner James Tjivikua (left), who commands the complaints and disciplinary unit with GIPF boss Primus Hango (right) during the hand over of the brochures this week. Photo: Brigitte Weidlich